MARMAM

Download

marmam@devlists.uvic.ca

May 2014

61 participants
72 discussions

New publication on calving areas and critical habitat for Risso's dolphins
by marc fernandez 01 May '14

01 May '14

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following paper has been made available online: Hartman K, Fernandez M, Azevedo JN (2014) Spatial segregation of calving and nursing Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) in the Azores, and its conservation implications. Marine Biology: 1-10 doi 10.1007/s00227-014-2430-x ABSTRACT Calving can be a critical period for cetaceans. Areas providing security for vulnerable calves, and high food availability for lactating females can be critical habitats requiring specific conservation measures. Here, we test the hypothesis that calving and nursing habitat could be defined for Risso’s dolphins (*Grampus griseus*). We investigated the spatial and temporal preferences of this species around Pico Island, Azores, using data gathered from land-based surveys and dedicated at-sea observations between 2004 and 2007. We divided observed pods into three groups: (1) those with newborn and young calves, (2) those with older calves or juveniles and (3) those consisting only of adults or sub-adults. We analysed eco-geographical variables and incorporated them into a presence-only spatial distribution model to evaluate differences in habitat suitability among the groups. We identified 694 pods of Risso’s dolphins overall. On the 267 pods observed in the first and second groups, 136 calves or juveniles were identified, of which 22 were newborns. The peak of the calving season was between June and August. The pods with newborn calves were larger and closer to shore, whereas the other groups were more widely dispersed offshore. Our results support the definition of critical habitat areas for this species, but we suggest widening the geographical coverage for better mapping around the island and throughout the archipelago generally. Conservation measures can, nevertheless, be implemented immediately, in order to reduce human impacts on a vulnerable component of the Risso’s dolphin population. The paper can be checked at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-014-2430-x?no-access=true Please do not hesitate to contact us for any question regarding our work. All the best, Marc Fernandez

1 0

Internship opportunities with MARINElife: Survey sightings and data processing volunteers
by Rachel Davies 01 May '14

01 May '14

We are pleased to announce two voluntary internship opportunities with MARINElife in Dorset, UK. MARINElife Survey Sightings Internship *Job Title:* Survey Sightings Intern *Location:* Home based - West Dorset, with some office hours (Bridport) *Duration:* 3-4 months *Weekly Hours:* Full time volunteer intern position, though part time applicants also considered. Please state which in your application. Flexible days - some weekends may be required. *Position commences:* Mid-late May MARINElife's core work since 1995 has been researching the distribution, abundance and population trends for whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine wildlife from vessels of opportunity. MARINElife currently operate year-round surveys on a monthly basis, along 18 ferry routes across the English Channel, Bay of Biscay, North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. The data collected continues to be used to determine seasonal, annual and long-term population trends for individual species. This baseline data is necessary in order to be able to detect changes in species' numbers and to be used for cetacean conservation and marine biodiversity policy, designation and management. MARINElife is looking for an intern to provide assistance to the survey and data management team for a 3-4 month period, to undertake a variety of data entry, validation and research tasks. This temporary role focuses on the data collected by ML volunteers conducting monitoring surveys aboard vessels of opportunity around the coast of the UK. The post also offers the opportunity to take part in local small-boat surveys, both observational and acoustic. The role will also involve a public facing element, as part of an exciting new "Hub" development, in conjunction with other Dorset based organisations. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to further develop their research skills and gain invaluable experience, while contributing to an established cetacean and seabird monitoring programme. Our research has been published widely and is used as an evidence base by Government agencies, including Natural England, JNCC and Defra for marine spatial planning and site safeguarding. Tasks will include: - Assist with collation of survey data from 18 ferry routes - Data entry and first level error checking - Assist with local small vessel surveys - Update databases of recent cetacean and seabird sightings - Liaise with ML surveyors - Liaise with members of the public - Keep regular contact with the conservation science manager Candidate requirements: *Essential:* - IT skills (Office package) - Experience in data entry and processing (Excel) - Excellent communication skills - Enthusiastic, hard-working and self-motivated - A strong commitment to volunteer work *Desirable:* - An interest and knowledge of British cetaceans and seabirds - Experience interacting with the public. Volunteers will be given an introduction into the placement and training will be provided for all tasks that you will be expected to undertake. Please see the bottom of the page for details on how to apply. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARINElife/ECMC Data Processing Internship *Job Title:* Data processing assistant *Location:* Portsmouth *Duration:* 3-4 months *Weekly Hours:* Full time volunteer intern position, though part time applicants also considered. Please state which in your application. Flexible days - some weekends may be required. *Position commences:* Mid-late May MARINElife's core work since 1995 has been researching the distribution, abundance and population trends for whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine wildlife from vessels of opportunity. MARINElife is a partner organisation in the European Cetacean Monitoring Coalition (ECMC), formerly the Atlantic Research Coalition (ARC). Established in 2001, ECMC was initiated in an effort to provide vital pan-European monitoring data on the distribution and abundance of whales and dolphins by bringing together marine conservation organisations operating in adjacent areas of ocean. ECMC is a growing partnership bringing together scientists from a number of conservation research groups operating from multiple European countries including England, Netherlands, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Belgium. MARINElife is looking for an intern to provide assistance to the data management team for a 3-4 month period, to undertake a variety of data processing and validation tasks. The work will form part of an existing collaboration with other ECMC partners, and as such will be placed at the ORCA offices, Portsmouth, alongside a similar ORCA/ECMC role. This temporary role will contribute towards a body of work to develop functionality and infrastructure required to effectively manage our large dataset. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to further develop their research skills and gain invaluable experience, while contributing to an established cetacean and seabird monitoring programme. Our research has been published widely and is used as an evidence base by Government agencies, including Natural England, JNCC and Defra for marine spatial planning and site safeguarding. *Tasks will include:* - Assist with collation of survey data from 18 ferry routes - Update databases of recent cetacean and seabird sightings - Data formatting to comply with ECMC data dictionary and collation structure - Keep regular contact with the conservation science manager *Candidate requirements:* *Essential:* - IT skills (Office package) - Experience in data entry and processing (Excel) - Excellent communication skills - Enthusiastic, hard-working and self-motivated - A strong commitment to volunteer work *Desirable:* - An interest and knowledge of British cetaceans and seabirds Volunteers will be given an introduction into the placement and training will be provided for all tasks that you will be expected to undertake. How to Apply To apply for either post please send your C.V. and a covering letter detailing any relevant experience along with contact information of two referees by 16th May, to: Tricia Dendle, MARINElife 1 Higher Street, Bradpole, Bridport Dorset DT6 3JA E-mail: tricia.dendle(a)marine-life.org.uk http://www.marine-life.org.uk/marinelife-internships-(290414) -- Dr. Rachel Davies Conservation Science Manager [image: MARINElife logo] <http://www.marine-life.org.uk/> rachel.davies(a)marine-life.org.uk T. 01460419043 M. 07969804996 Send Sightings To: sightings(a)marine-life.org.uk Website: www.marine-life.org.uk Find us on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/pages/MARINElife#!/pages/MARINElife/213377818675948> and Twitter <http://twitter.com/MARINElife_UK> Registered Charity No. 1110884

1 0